Two Virginians among richest members of Congress

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMSgngsTk1DcoBZsMJ-LEcsRHbA6jMLYuyC0dh3-NnNYacW4wsZT-f10ufuqjVNAvdmFLwHm5sdC-4cIxtd4aaMF21gkJ7da9ZsBQyFKGAQsMahBSdqoxq9YXYfBQwJU6PmXXjCqHROujX/s1600/Money.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMSgngsTk1DcoBZsMJ-LEcsRHbA6jMLYuyC0dh3-NnNYacW4wsZT-f10ufuqjVNAvdmFLwHm5sdC-4cIxtd4aaMF21gkJ7da9ZsBQyFKGAQsMahBSdqoxq9YXYfBQwJU6PmXXjCqHROujX/s200/Money.jpg" width="144" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://media.cq.com/50richest/the-50-richest-members-of-congress-113th-2013.html">Roll Call</a>'s annual list of the 50 richest members of Congress includes two Virginians -- U.S. Senator Mark Warner and Congressman Scott Rigell.<br /><br />Warner, a Democrat worth $96.3 million, was ranked #3 behind #1 Rep. Darrell Issa ($355 million), a Republican from California, and #2 Rep. Michael McCaul ($114 million), a Republican from Texas. Rigell was ranked #28 with $12.6 million.<br /><br />The list includes 29 Republicans and 21 Democrats. Roll Call provided brief bios including the source of their wealth ... makes for an interesting read.

capitalism Mark Warner richest members of Congress Roll Call Scott Rigell U.S. House of Representatives U.S. Senate Two Virginians among richest members of Congress

Roll Call's annual list of the 50 richest members of Congress includes two Virginians -- U.S. Senator Mark Warner and Congressman Scott Rigell.Warner, a Democrat worth $96.3 million, was ranked #3 behind #1 Rep. Darrell Issa ($355 million), a Republi…

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NY Times on GOP shutdown threat: 'Politics of a Screeching Halt'

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji0lEC83V2A79xkVQM6KPeTuMoH7yptqV9ycaeBIMLdZIGcL5GQYbcRzYT6FmphqKEq6465-tdHBWE1jy0e5h-irq6-BYaT1lKUpOFabX6SVFRXD67qceeJevIaoe7Qw6EtNDH8quWmFWp/s1600/Elephants,+fighting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji0lEC83V2A79xkVQM6KPeTuMoH7yptqV9ycaeBIMLdZIGcL5GQYbcRzYT6FmphqKEq6465-tdHBWE1jy0e5h-irq6-BYaT1lKUpOFabX6SVFRXD67qceeJevIaoe7Qw6EtNDH8quWmFWp/s400/Elephants,+fighting.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/01/opinion/collins-politics-of-a-screeching-halt.html?_r=0">New York Times Op-Ed columnist</a> Gail Collins does not mince words: <br /><blockquote>Right now, the show horses of the United States Senate are Rand Paul of Kentucky, Ted Cruz of Texas and Marco Rubio of Florida. All preparing for a 2016 presidential bid. All making visits to Iowa. They’re the new faces of the Republican Party. Really, really new. The three of them have an average age of 45 and an average tenure in Washington of 1.9 years.</blockquote>Whatever happened to learning one job before moving to the next step?<br /><br />Republicans are alarmed, as the editorial notes:<br /><blockquote>And all three are currently in the news for their efforts to get Republicans to promise not to vote to fund the government this fall unless the president cancels Obamacare.<br /><br />"I think it’s the dumbest idea I’ve ever heard," said Senator Richard Burr of North Carolina, speaking on behalf of a large number of Republicans who regard the idea of shutting down the government with horror and who are never going to be mentioned in a Quinnipiac presidential poll. </blockquote>For those who were not paying attention in 1995 when Republicans <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/03/30/voters-blamed-gop-for-1995-shutdown_n_842769.html">shut down the government</a>, it wasn't pretty. Google it. Or listen to the voices of experiences who have been there and done that, like Senator Saxby Chambliss, 69. On Wednesday's <a href="http://video.msnbc.msn.com/morning-joe/52629486/"><i>Morning Joe</i> on MSNBC</a>, Chambliss gave a dire reminder.<br /><br />“We’ve been down that road,” he said. “We shut down the government ...and we got our butts kicked over shutting down the government.” <br /><br />That's an understatement. It took years to regain the confidence of the American people who blamed Republicans for the shutdown. Indeed, <a href="http://tv.msnbc.com/2013/07/31/saxby-chambliss-good-hustle-tea-party-but-government-shutdowns-dont-work/"><i>Morning Joe</i></a> host Joe Scarborough was a Florida Congressman during the 1995 shutdown. He learned from that experience and called the current  threat "one of the stupidest arguments he's heard in two decades":<br /><blockquote>“We’ve got a president that’s gonna celebrate Republicans making the same mistake back when we shut down the government and basically re-elected Bill Clinton,” Scarborough said.</blockquote>The new breed of Republicans could learn from the experience and wisdom of those who have walked before them. But listening to Cruz, that doesn't seem likely:<br /><blockquote>“The sort of cocktail chatter wisdom that ‘Oh, the shutdown was a disaster for Republicans’ is not borne out by the data,” Cruz said.</blockquote>Meanwhile, the other side of the political aisle is watching this unfold, as Collins writes: <br /><blockquote>The Democrats are sort of horrified and sort of enthralled by the whole drama.<br /><br />“Give a call to Newt Gingrich. He’ll return your phone calls. Ask him how it worked,” suggested Majority Leader Harry Reid. </blockquote>It brings to mind American philosopher George Santayana's much-quoted belief,<i></i> "Those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it."

Bill Clinton Gail Collins George Santayana Harry Reid Joe Scarborough Marco Rubio Morning Joe New York Times Rand Paul Richard Burr Saxby Chambliss Ted Cruz U.S. House of Representatives U.S. Senate NY Times on GOP shutdown threat: 'Politics of a Screeching Halt'

New York Times Op-Ed columnist Gail Collins does not mince words: Right now, the show horses of the United States Senate are Rand Paul of Kentucky, Ted Cruz of Texas and Marco Rubio of Florida. All preparing for a 2016 presidential bid. All making …

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Bob McDonnell orders flags flown at half-staff in memory of Harry F. Byrd, Jr.

<b>Governor Orders State Flags to Fly at Half-Staff Friday and Saturday</b><br /><br />On Wednesday, Virginia's Governor Bob McDonnell ordered all state flags to fly at half-staff on Friday and Saturday in memory of U.S. Senator Harry F. Byrd, Jr., 98, who passed away Wednesday morning. Governor McDonnell noted the order and commented on the Senator's passing: <br /><blockquote>“This morning, Harry F. Byrd, Jr., America’s oldest living former senator, passed away at his home in Winchester. This is a sad day in the Commonwealth. A chapter of our history has concluded; we’ve lost a good and decent person and a dedicated public servant.<br /><br />"Senator Byrd was a son of the Valley. He was born in Winchester. While he would go on to attend school at VMI and UVa, serve our nation in World War II, represent the area in the State Senate, and then serve three terms in Washington as a United States Senator, it was always true that in spirit and in soul, Harry F. Byrd, Jr. never left the Valley that he loved.<br /><br />"Senator Byrd was an iconic figure in Virginia history. He lived through a century of immense change, both here at home and abroad, and he never sat on the sidelines. From his time in public office to his long career in journalism, Harry F. Byrd, Jr. was at the center of the great debates and policy discussions that marked our nation’s path forward. He made his mark as a strong fiscal conservative, always committed to ensuring that taxpayer dollars be wisely and conservatively utilized.<br /><br />"I had the great opportunity to visit with the senator several times over the past few years at his home. His mind was sharp, and he was quick with stories from growing up in Virginia’s Executive Mansion in the 1920’s to his experiences as the first person ever elected and re-elected to the United States Senate as an independent. The senator was rightly known for his civility, candor and wit, and those attributes remained with him until the very end. As governor, there were a number of times I would receive a carefully handwritten letter from the senator, well into his 90’s, letting me know how he felt about legislation and policy discussions in Richmond. He lived to participate in the public discourse and he cherished democracy and civic engagement. That was the common thread that ran from his time in public office to his editorials and columns in The Winchester Star and The Harrisonburg Daily News-Record.<br /><br />"Virginia will mourn the passing of Senator Harry F. Byrd, Jr.”</blockquote>

Bob McDonnell Harry F. Byrd Jr U.S. Senate Virginia politics Winchester Bob McDonnell orders flags flown at half-staff in memory of Harry F. Byrd, Jr.

Governor Orders State Flags to Fly at Half-Staff Friday and SaturdayOn Wednesday, Virginia's Governor Bob McDonnell ordered all state flags to fly at half-staff on Friday and Saturday in memory of U.S. Senator Harry F. Byrd, Jr., 98, who passed away …

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Harry F. Byrd, Jr. passes away at 98 ... George Allen remembers a Virginia gentleman

His name is synonymous with history and long-time Democratic politics in Virginia. On Tuesday the <a href="http://www.winchesterstar.com/article/51f7c3d3-8ba4-45a5-a36e-575f0a60cecf"><i>Winchester Star</i></a> reported the passing of Winchester resident and former U.S. Senator Harry F. Byrd, Jr. The <i>Star</i> included an abundance of historical background about this man who, at the age of 98, is unknown to many Virginians but is firmly planted in the Commonwealth's history.<br /><br />Another former U.S. Senator and Governor George Allen remembered this Southern gentleman in a press release on Tuesday:<br /><blockquote>“Virginia and America mourn the passing of one of the most influential, respected and principled leaders of the 20th Century, Harry F. Byrd, Jr.<br /><br />“I will always remember his distinctive laugh and remarkably sharp perspectives throughout his long, meaningful life. The lasting legacy of Senator Byrd is his consistent, sound and unflinching leadership in working to achieve the ideal of a wise and frugal government. Senator Byrd was an independent, cheerful and amazingly insightful friend. I shall treasure his encouragement and counsel through the ups and downs of public service. Indeed, we emulated Senator Byrd’s example by returning unused Senate office funds every year.<br /><br />“Above all, Harry Byrd, Jr. was a gentleman of impeccable integrity in all aspects of his life.<br /><br />“Susan’s and my thoughts and prayers are with his children Harry III, Tom and Beverly, and the whole Byrd family, including grandson John who worked with me in the U.S. Senate. They are a wonderful, honorable family.”</blockquote>It is, indeed, the passing of an era in the Old Dominion.

George Allen governor Harry F. Byrd Jr U.S. Senate Virginia history Harry F. Byrd, Jr. passes away at 98 ... George Allen remembers a Virginia gentleman

His name is synonymous with history and long-time Democratic politics in Virginia. On Tuesday the Winchester Star reported the passing of Winchester resident and former U.S. Senator Harry F. Byrd, Jr. The Star included an abundance of historical back…

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Christie appoints NJ Attorney General as temporary replacement for Lautenberg's seat

<a href="http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/senate-races/303965-christie-appoints-new-jersey-ag-to-fill-lautenbergs-seat">The Hill</a> reported Thursday that NJ Governor Chris Christie has made his choice for a temporary replacement to the late Senator Frank Lautenberg's seat:<br /><blockquote>New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) on Thursday appointed state Attorney General Jeff Chiesa (R) to fill deceased Sen. Frank Lautenberg's (D) seat until the upcoming October special election. In his announcement, which came three days following Lautenberg's passing, Christie said he believes Chiesa is "the best person for the job."</blockquote>Read the entire article <a href="http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/senate-races/303965-christie-appoints-new-jersey-ag-to-fill-lautenbergs-seat">here</a>.

Attorney General Chris Christie Frank Laudenberg Jeff Chiesa New Jersey U.S. Senate Christie appoints NJ Attorney General as temporary replacement for Lautenberg's seat

The Hill reported Thursday that NJ Governor Chris Christie has made his choice for a temporary replacement to the late Senator Frank Lautenberg's seat:New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) on Thursday appointed state Attorney General Jeff Chiesa (R) to …

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Dem Sen. Lautenberg dies at 89 ... will Christie appoint Republican?

Democratic Senator Frank Lautenberg of New Jersey <a href="http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/senate/303001-sen-lautenberg-dies-at-age-89">died Monday at the age of 89</a> of viral pneumonia. The oldest member of the Senate, he had served more than 30 years in Congress. <br /><br /><a href="http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/senate/303001-sen-lautenberg-dies-at-age-89">The Hill</a> reports that Governor Chris Christie can appoint a replacement until a special election is held, and some are speculating whether he will appoint a Republican:<br /><blockquote>According to New Jersey <a href="http://thehill.com/%20http://law.onecle.com/new-jersey/19-elections/3-26.html" target="_blank"><b>election law</b></a>, Christie may appoint a replacement to temporarily fill Lautenberg's seat until a special election occurs to elect someone to serve out the remainder of Lautenberg's term.<br /><br />Christie may set the date of the special election. It's unclear whether he'll choose to schedule it on the same day as the gubernatorial and state legislative elections on Nov. 5. <br /><br />Setting the special on the same date as the upcoming gubernatorial election could give a boost to a Republican candidate from Christie's coattails, as he's running far ahead of the Democratic candidate for governor and is expected to easily defeat her.</blockquote>Lautenberg's passing offers the opportunity for Christie to appoint a Republican. Virginia conservative radio host <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheJohnFredericksShow?hc_location=stream">John Fredericks</a> speculated on Facebook Monday afternoon that two names Christie may be considering are Sen. Joe Kyrillos, a longtime friend, or Tom Kean, Sr., a former NJ governor.

Chris Christie Frank Lautenberg Joe Kyrillos John Fredericks New Jersey Sr. The Hill tom Kean U.S. Senate Dem Sen. Lautenberg dies at 89 ... will Christie appoint Republican?

Democratic Senator Frank Lautenberg of New Jersey died Monday at the age of 89 of viral pneumonia. The oldest member of the Senate, he had served more than 30 years in Congress. The Hill reports that Governor Chris Christie can appoint a replacement …

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